Review of Toonopolis:Gemini by Jeremy Rodden

Summary: Toonopolis is a cartoon city that is home to the thoughts and ideas of all sentient beings in the universe. As the center of the Tooniverse, it acts as an other-worldly rest stop for these creations.

Gemini is a teenage human boy who is thrust into Toonopolis through his father's scientific research program. He loses part of himself in the process and immediately begins a quest to regain his lost memories with the help of his Tooniverse guide named Jimbob the Talking Eggplant.

After an altercation with a mysterious Shadowy Figure, Gemini's mission is changed, and he begins a new quest to defeat Shadowy Figure and protect Toonopolis from his nefarious destruction. Along the way, he meets new friends, discovers just how diverse and strange Toonopolis is, and learns lessons about compassion, forgiveness, redemption, and being true to oneself.

Review: Oh man...What a really cool book this was to read!!! The author has such a creative imagination, and took me to a whole new world. Who would have thought there was a place for all the cartoons ever created?  A place with PEZ roads, gnomes, superheros, knights, and my favorite....A TALKING EGGPLANT! Yep folks, you heard(read) me right. Jimbob the talking eggplant. He is a guide to Gemini, a young boy placed into this tooniverse by his father. They go on an incredible journey through different places of toonopolis, and they meet so many other toons that help with his quests. Together they battle cartoons gone rogue, and others such as the Gumthulu and the Candemon. This is such a humorous story full of adventure. Even with all the different places and toons throughout this book, it is all strung together perfectly. Toonopolis was such an exciting read for me, and I think people of all ages would enjoy this book.

♥ Shelby

Review: A Kindred Spirit's Sanctuary by Dayna Ross

Summary: The setting of this book takes place in the early 1800's in Missouri when the foundation of the state was still in it's infancy.

Nicolette, the daughter of a wealthy and highly respected bank owner, is a spoiled and rebellious young adult with a carefree spirit that consistently reminds her of the fact that she was not meant to be born into the life that she had been forced to live.

Through her coming of age search for happiness, she happens upon Akash, a mysterious and powerfully built Native American slave.

The story progresses as the two struggle, not only to accept one another, but to fight for the companionship that the two come to find that they cannot live without.



Review: I always love reading about two people who are completely opposite of each other, but fall in love anyway. This story gave me just that. Nicolette is a young woman trying to find out who she is, despite constantly be pressed with the opinions of her parents. Her life is turned upside down when her parents move to a new home far away from her old life and friends. Her father is trying to pressure into the college of his choice, and her mother is too busy worrying about herself. Nicolette has no one that understands her. She meets Akash and is instantly curious about him, although he acts like he could care less about her. He thinks she is just like the other high class people around him who try to pretend he's invisible. He is just a savage after all. Nicolette is taken back at the way Akash treats her, but is adamant to show him she is more than that. After a short time the walls around Akash's heart come down and he lets Nicolette in. This leads to a dangerous adventure that neither of them saw coming, but they were determined to be together. This was wonderful story with passion and excitement. I can't wait to read more work from Dayna.

♥ Shelby



BOOK TOUR, REVIEW, and GIVEAWAY of Mine Until Dawn : Book 2 of the Fitzgerald Family by E. B. Walters

Make sure you check out the giveaway at the end of this review!!

Summary :  She's armed with a new attitude and a kick-ass wardrobe... By age twenty-eight, art historian Jade Fitzgerald has had a marriage from hell and an equally nasty divorce, worked hard to control her weight and her arrhythmia. The last thing she needs is another man messing with her head or shooting her heartbeat off course. That is exactly what she gets when an aloof and mysterious stranger storms into her life. He's cynical and doesn’t take crap from anyone... Former investigative reporter Vince Knight is on a quest to recover a priceless, ancient Mayan artifact, which he believes Jade’s mother stole. He’s skilled at gathering information while remaining emotionally detached, until he meets Jade. The voluptuous woman stirs in him a hunger he hasn’t felt in a long time and a protectiveness he can’t explain. Until, an insane man decides to add Jade to his collection of beautiful and rare things... Neither Vince nor Jade expects passion to flare so fast or danger to dodge their footsteps. To defeat a ruthless art collector with a twisted agenda, Jade and Vince must learn to trust each other and embrace their growing feelings.

Review : Oh how I didn't want this book to end!!!! Mine Until Dawn is an amazing read people! Full of passion, adventure, mystery...If I could live out one book it real life it would be this one. I loved EVERY part of this book, and once again I wish I could be apart of the Fitzgerald family. Jade is such a realistic character and I connected with her instantly. She appears to be strong on the outside, but inside she still struggles with the negativity that her ex embedded in her mind. Then comes Vince (sigh). The perfect description of my ideal man. From the moment Vince and Jade meet there is a pulling attraction between the two of them. They both learn to let their guards down and find their way to each other's hearts. Mine Until Dawn is so creatively written, and the story line was fantastic. The suspense of what happens next kept me reading until the book was finished. I promise you wont be disappointed in this book. Go check it out!!!

♥ Shelby

Giveaway : E. B. Walters has graciously offered an e- copy of Mine Until Dawn to be given away at each blog participating in this tour. 

To Enter for this blog:

1. Be a follower

2. Leave a comment with a valid email address

3. Like E. B. Walters on facebook : http://www.facebook.com/#!/ednahyaauthor

4. Like The Fitzgerald Family on facebook : http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Fitzgerald-Family-series-by-EB-Walters/149204081811639

4. Extra points for liking Words To Follow on facebook : http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Words-To-Follow/167045110034227

5. share this giveaway on facebook. Please leave link with your comment.

Also be sure to check out the other blogs participating in this book tour!! All are giving away an e-copy as well so there are more chances to win! A big thanks to Forbidden Reviews for hosting this giveaway. http://www.forbiddenreviews.com/

NEXT STOP ON THIS TOUR IS: http://amethystdaydreams.blogspot.com/



Review: Pandora's Box ( The Road to Hell Series ) by Gracen Miller

Pandora's Box

Summary:
Where does the road to Hell begin?

What happens when your son turns homicidal overnight and your husband disappears on his way to work? Do you cower in fear or fight for your life? Madison Wescott fights against the odds. Distrustful of a God she doesn't believe in, she finds herself face-to-face with a world she didn't know existed and discovers her own soul is darkened with demonic connections.

With good intentions? Or by demonic design?

Phoenix Birmingham bursts into Madison’s life in a whirlwind of sarcasm and sexual appeal. A hero for the masses—and for her jaded heart—but few will ever know the sacrifices he has made or the sacrifices to come. Discovering her entire life has been influenced by multifaceted paranormal beings, Madison is determined to defeat the apocalyptic blueprint fate has decreed, but only one man dares to challenge the supernatural forces manipulating them. Even with Phoenix's aid, can destiny be denied? Or will demonic design prevail while they pay the crucial price with their souls?

In a small, sleepy Alabama town the battle for mankind's liberty has begun...


Review:

Ok. First of all let me say if you're not 18 and older, this is an adult content book! That being said...HOT DAMN was this book AMAZING!!! I am still trying to cool off after reading this book!! The day I started this book I was almost late picking up my little man from pre-K.  Thank God I finished it before dinner or my family would have starved!! Ok, maybe not starved, but it would have been PB &J sandwiches or something quick. I. Could. Not. Put. This. Book. Down!  Are you all getting that I LOVED this book??? From the moment I started reading I couldn't  help but be instantly sucked into this great story. The characters were amazing and real to me throughout this adventure.  I loved Madison's strength and her will to do anything for her child Amos. And I'm sure anyone who has read this book has spent many nights fantasizing about Phoenix. *blushing* I can't wait to find out what happens next!! No seriously, Gracen if you lived closer I would stalk you until the next book was finished! Just kidding...well kinda! Hehe! Seriously though..go read this book people! Its fabulous!

♥ Shelby



Review: Elusive Echoes (Second in The Echoes of Orson's Folly series) by Kay Springsteen

Elusive Echoes

Summary:

They’re two people caught between friendship and something more; they can’t move forward, and they can’t let go.

Drawn together from early childhood, Sean McGee and Melanie Mitchell seemed destined for each other. But at age thirteen, Melanie was wrenched from the people she loved and forced onto a path she loathed. Sean was no stranger to people leaving, but losing Melanie devastated him. When she suddenly reappeared in Orson’s Folly, Sean was overjoyed. The Melanie who came home, though, wasn’t the same girl. She’s got a harder edge and she’s obviously hiding something, but Sean no longer knows how to reach her.

Returning to Orson's Folly as an adult, all Melanie wanted to do was forget the years she spent away. But she soon learned that going home didn’t mean she could return to her old life—or her childhood sweetheart, Sean. Even their mutual attraction to one another hasn’t rebuilt the bond of trust and closeness they once shared. It’s been seven years since she returned and now everything Melanie wants to forget has broadsided her. She must confront her demons and relive her past in an unexpected way or risk losing the only man she’s ever loved. But even if she succeeds, Sean might be lost to her anyway.

 

 

Review:

 

If you have read Lifeline Echoes and loved it, you definitely won't be disappointed in book two of this series. Elusive Echoes is just as amazingly written as the first. A story full of hope, love, and passion.  I think I loved this book even more than the first. The characters were so believable and I connected with Sean and Melanie so much. I joined them on their journey and went through the emotions as they did. This story has a wonderful plot that was easy to follow along with. I would definitely recommend this to anyone and I hope there is another book coming to this series soon!

 

♥ Shelby









Review: Lifeline Echoes ( First in The Echoes of Orson’s Folly series) by Kay Springsteen

Lifeline Echoes

Summary :

Voices form a powerful connection. The day the earth rocked LA, Sandy Wheaton became a voice lifeline over the radio for trapped firefighter, "Mick." Less than twenty-four hours later, she had fallen in love with him. Shattered when she learned that rescue came too late, she sought solace Wyoming, the home state he had loved. Now, seven years later, she's made a life there as the owner of a popular local bar. But her wounds are still fresh, and she longs to let go of the past and her lost love so she can begin living again. That opportunity presents itself when the local prodigal son returns home. The attraction between them is instant. It feels like she's known him far longer than just a few days.

Sixteen years ago, Ryan McGee left home in the midst of controversy. After living through a harrowing trauma, he finally returns home when his family needs his help through some troubling times. All he wants to do is make amends with those he hurt most and to get back to the life he'd never wanted to leave in the first place. When he meets the sexy bartender, he starts thinking in terms of forever. But there's still someone out there he wants to find, someone who once believed in him and gave him hope.

Review:

After I read this book I honestly just sat there with a smile on my face. This is an incredible love story with a fairytale ending. Exciting, sexy, and just AMAZING! This is a story that I'm having trouble writing a review for because I want to tell everything about it. The details of the story make me long for a life on a ranch in beautiful Wyoming...with lots of sexy ranchers around ( hehe). That's another great thing about this story...its very passionate and sexy without a lot of erotic detail. Lifeline Echoes was so creatively written. I've read a lot of romance and this storyline surprised me...in a good way of course :) I was never bored and was always excited to get to the next chapter. I fell in love with Ryan and his need to come back home to his family even though he knew it would be hard. I loved that he was such a strong, protective character who would do anything to help out those he cared about. Sandy was just as great of a character. She was brave, independent, and fearless in the face of danger. A woman I could see myself looking up to. Both Ryan and Sandy are fighting the emotions of letting go of the past. Its great to watch them let their guards down when they are around each other. Then there are characters like Justin, Sean, and Melanie who help bring the story to life.  Lifeline echoes is such an brilliant story that will leave your heart full of love and happiness. Everyone should take time to sit and read this book!

♥ Shelby

REVIEW of A Job From Hell and Black Wood by Jayde Scott

I was lucky enough to review TWO great books from Jayde Scott!

A Job From Hell

Summary: Enter a world of forbidden love, rituals, dark magic and ancient enemies...

An ancient bond draws Amber to the immortal Aidan shortly before her eighteenth birthday when she starts her summer job in Scotland and unknowingly wins the deadly prize in a paranormal race, turning her from a mere mortal into a priceless commodity. With every immortal creature hunting her for her new ability, Amber's life will never be the same again, unless she searches the Otherworld to retrieve what everyone wants.

But to do so, Amber must die.

Review: This book was such an exciting read!! Its filled with romance, friendship, humor, and tons of action that will keep you turning pages way past your bedtime. As a mother of two small children, that says a lot. Characters Amber, Aidan, Clare, Kieran, Cassandra, and Dallas are intoxicating. And as amazing as Aidan is...I may have a small crush on Kieran. *blushes* Who doesn't like a cocky pretty boy once in a while? The questions that you 'll be asking yourself as you read will make you want to keep going to the next chapter. Who's good? Who's bad? Will Amber ever be able to go back to her old life? Does Amber give in to the bond between her and Aidan? Oh how I wish I could give you all the details, but I'm a spoiler free kind of gal ;) This is truly a wonderful story that I wish never ends. I would definitely recommend this book!

Black Wood     

Summary: Witches, trolls, nymphs and Silverfurs are surely the figment of one’s imagination. That’s what Emily Jones used to think until she moves to Scotland shortly before her fourteenth birthday to live in her deceased grandmother’s manor. Ravencourt Manor's just as creepy as she remembers it with plenty of creaking noises, rattling doors and a hunched shadow that roams the manor’s garden at night.

In the hope to bring her separated parents back together, Emily opens a portal to Black Wood; a world of dangerous and alluring nymphs dwelling beneath the streams ready to drown her, where the sinister guardian and keeper of the Black Heart and cursed trolls are waiting, desperate to be released. And so Emily’s long and dangerous fight against the evil Muriel begins.

Will Emily learn to use her grandmother's legacy in time before the evil Muriel regains her full powers to summon and unleash her deadly servants on the world?


Review: I honestly wasn't sure how I would like this book since it was targeted for a younger audience. However, I am so glad that I read it, because it awesome! I would love to get into the mind of Jayde Scott for a day to see how she comes up with her ideas and concepts. The way the story is described really takes you in.  Emily is a strong, courageous 14yr old who has no choice to fight Muriel in order to save her world. There are only few to help her as she learns about this crazy new world and magic that exists. She fights to save her family and friends who are slowly being cursed.  This story was adventurous and creepy. It's definitely going to be loved by teens everywhere. I didn't want this story to end....and I am left hanging to see the fate of Emily's world and family. I believe anyone of any age will enjoy this story. I sure did :)

♥ Shelby